SHAH ALAM - Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Deputy Information Chief Razeef Rakimin dismissed allegations of vote-rigging in the party’s recent division elections.
He asserted that the blockchain-based system used makes manipulation highly improbable and called for internal resolutions to election-related disputes.
"The probability of vote manipulation is extremely low. There may have been minor technical issues, but these can certainly be addressed. Some have alleged that the system was hacked and that there was an orchestrated attempt to sideline division chiefs aligned with deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli.
"However, many of Rafizi's supporters secured branch chief positions, while several candidates perceived to be aligned with Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail also lost.
"This clearly indicates there is no evidence of sabotage against Rafizi's faction," he said in a statement on Facebook.
Razeef, who also serves as Sabah PKR Information Chief, emphasised that party President Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, had made it clear that PKR did not function based on internal camps or factions.
"PKR President had previously stressed that the party did not operate in factions and had expressed his backing for Rafizi to remain as deputy president in this election.
"Saifuddin, too, has urged members not to speculate about him challenging Rafizi," he added.
On the topic of vote-swapping among candidates, which reportedly led to some surprising defeats for senior figures, Razeef acknowledged such concerns but highlighted that there was an established appeals process managed by the party’s Election Committee (JPP).
"Members should utilise the appropriate channels to lodge their complaints rather than tarnish the party's reputation in public.
"It is also important to note that the announced results are not final until they are ratified by the Central Leadership Council (MPP). The JPP has given all candidates the opportunity to submit objections, provided there is sufficient evidence.
"In my view, these matters can and should be resolved internally, without resorting to media attacks or baseless accusations against the JPP," he said.
From April 11 to 20, the PKR Branch-level Elections resulted in a major shakeup as numerous elected representatives, including Member of Parliaments (MPs), state assemblymen and division chiefs, lost their posts to grassroots members and new challengers.
The outcome was seen as a significant shift in internal party dynamics and could influence the upcoming Central Election Nominations, which close on May 4.
One of the most notable defeats was Natural Resources Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, who lost the Setiawangsa division chief position to Actor-Director Datuk Afdlin Shauki.
In Johor, Tebrau MP Jimmy Puah Wee Tsee and Segamat MP R Yuneswaran were both defeated by grassroots member M Prakash. Meanwhile, Deputy Minister Akmal Nasrullah lost the Johor Bahru division to Mohamad Taufiq Ismail.
In other key contests, Batu MP P Prabakaran was ousted by lawyer Asheeq Ali and Balik Pulau MP Datuk Bakhtiar Wan Chik was defeated by his former deputy Tuah Ismail.
In Penang, Fahmi Zainol narrowly lost in Jelutong, while Deputy Chief Minister Mohamad Abdul Hamid managed to defend his Tasek Gelugor seat.
Additional prominent losses included Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli, Deputy Unity Minister K Saraswathy and MPs such as Zahir Hassan (Wangsa Maju), Rodziah Ismail (Ampang) and S Kesavan (Sungai Siput).
The results were officially confirmed by the party’s election committee, signalling a strong wave of internal change ahead of the central-level elections next month.